Bangalore Steiner School
Kindergarten
Realm of willing - educate the body intelligence through senses.
In this first stage the child is primarily engaged in building his physical body and everything in the environment becomes the basis of his physical health.
Early Years in Steiner Waldorf Education
The importance of play and a stress-free environment for the kindergarten child cannot be emphasized more. Play and rhythm form the backbone of the Steiner kindergarten. Learning happens through imitation. Adults in the child’s environment, should particularly at this stage of the child’s development be worthy of imitation in all that they do, say and think.
At Bangalore Steiner School, we currently take in children between the ages of 3.5 and 6 years into our kindergarten. As part of our early childhood education, we provide plenty of time for Free Play, the cornerstone of a Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten. The most serious work that children do at this stage is play.
The environment in our kindergarten is based on Rhythm, Repetition and Reverence. Emphasis is given to the physical growth of the child. Early academics is detrimental to the child’s growth and therefore, we have no reading and writing at this stage. Learning happens in myriad different ways. Learning and joy live as one. Will develops strongly with physical activities. Through daily rhythms of free imaginative play both indoors and outdoors, circle time, eating together, story time, handwork and practical activities, children exercise their creative muscles, gross and fine motor skills creating a strong foundation for their future years. The teachers are active, loving human beings, worthy of imitation and the children learn through their example.
Our kindergarten amidst nature, makes the children experience and explore the wonders of nature in every season. Celebration of festivals and seasonal rhythms create a sense of wonder and nurture the child’s inner growth.
The Kindergarten Rhythm
Free Play
a period of free play which could take place inside or out, and alongside a particular activity such as baking, painting, handicraft
Other Activities
Other activities include painting, drawing, crafts and the domestic arts such as cooking, baking, cleaning and care for self & others,the strong tradition of oral storytelling & puppetry
Circle Time
The day flows with regular and repetitive activity, such as Ring-time (or ‘circle time’) which includes songs and rhythmical verses, music and movement.
HandWork
In addition to the subjects described, handwork, gardening, clay work and wood work are also part of the weekly rhythm.
Snack Break
The snack, prepared by adults and children is shared together around the table, where the mood is relaxed and social.
Afternoon Care
Afternoon care includes lunch, rest time and a longer period of play, generally outside. The morning session has its own rhythm, and is not repeated once again.